Teaninich 12 Years Old ChWh La Nouvelle Vague (Chorlton Whisky)

This Teaninich was picked by Chorlton Whisky, aged 12 year old and bottled at 54.2%. Just 320 bottles were filled. Built in 1817 north of Inverness at Alness, Teaninich is a big Highland workhorse. Teaninich is Diageo's third largest distillery, and almost all its make goes to blends.

It was drawn off fat copper stills fed by a uniquely clear wort, for a fragrant spirit with a green tea lift. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the green character to the fore. Past a decade the grass deepens, the wax and a soft honey building over green fruit. Sherry wood suits the light make, lending dried fruit and a nutty depth. A long fermentation of around 75 hours builds the fresh, fruity notes. Filled spirit is tankered away to mature in Diageo's central warehouses. The name comes from the Gaelic for house on the hill, a nod to the old estate. By the 1970s Teaninich was already one of the largest distilleries in Scotland.

At a hearty 54.2% it carries real weight. A gentle vanilla from the wood runs under green apple, grass and a light honey. It is fresh and oily, the fruit and oak well matched. The finish runs fresh, green and oily. This is a fresh, waxy Highland single malt.